Advancement is the process by which youth members of the Boy Scouts of America progress from rank to rank in the Scouting program. Advancement is simply a means to an end, not an end in itself. Everything done to advance and earn these ranks should be designed to help the young person have an exciting and meaningful experience.

Advancement Principles

Personal growth is the prime consideration in the advancement program.

Learning by doing.

Each youth progresses at his or her own rate.

A badge is recognition of what a young person is able to do, not merely a reward for what he or she has done.

Advancement encourages Scouting ideals.

Cub Scouting

Cub Scouting is home- and neighborhood-centered for the Cub Scout. Advancement involves parental approval of requirements. The adult's standard for completion of any requirement should be based on the Cub Scout motto, "Do Your Best."

Completion of Tiger Cub, Bobcat, Wolf, and Bear requirements is approved by the boy's parent. Completion of the Webelos requirements is approved by the Webelos Den Leader or assigned to someone else to approve it - that could be a parent, Scout leader, resident camp counselor, or teacher.

Boy Scouting

Boy Scouting advancement program places a series of challenges in front of a Scout in a manner that is fun and educational. The job of adults concerned with advancement is to provide the right environment in which a Scout is nourished. Advancement accommodates the three aims of Scouting: citizenship, growth in moral strength and character, and mental and physical development. Each Scout is provided a chance to achieve the aims of Scouting through self-confidence, peer confidence, and confidence in leaders.

A Boy Scout badge recognizes what a young man is able to do; it is not a reward for what he has done. No council, district, unit, or individual has the authority to add to or subtract from any advancement requirement.

Four Steps of Advancement

1. The Boy Scout learns. 2. The Boy Scout is tested. 3. The Boy Scout is reviewed. 4. The Boy Scout is recognized.

You may download the Eagle Scout Application, Eagle Scout Palm Application, and the Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook for use.

Venturing

The Venturing advancement program is available to all youth Venturing members of the BSA. It;s purpose is to:

Provide a pathway for personal development.

Encourage Venturers to learn, grow, and serve.

Recognize the high level of achievement of Venturers who acquire Venturing skills.

Identify trained and highly motivated Venturers who will be a training, leadership, and program resources for other Venturers, Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, organizations, and the community.